Southeast - organized ride in Cashiers???

Someone told me about a ride in Cashier's area of western NC. I've checked the NCDOT site, and can't find anything. I think it is in April. Anyone have any more information?

It's the Tour de Cashiers on Sunday April 15. There's a metric and full century. In fact, some of the locals rode the century today. Both the rides have lots of climbing. I'll be doing the metric.

http://www.tourdecashiers.com/

thanks!

Pretty tough ride I have heard.

I looked at the routes this morning and I think I will have just enough legs to manage the 25 miles. I hear that it is a beautiful route, though. I would like to try it if I"m not too chicken, that is.

The hilliest ride I've done with the meanest climb (for me) is RAW. Ride Around Wilkes. Has anyone done that one and can compare the two for me for some perspective?

The 25 mile route is still pretty hilly by most standards. I would guess that there is near 2500' of climbing (my polar 720i shows 2400') for the ride. The metric and century rides have very hard, long climbs with the metric having over 7000' and the century over 11000' of climbing.

Still the 25 is a great ride and it rides along with the metric until the turn onto Norton Rd. I'll probably be wishing I took that turn with you as the metric takes a 2000' plunge down towards Franklin (and then climbs back up a couple of times).

thanks for the info, WNC. makes me a little nervous thinking about it, but I think I can survive the 25. Now, to find myself a ready and willing partner to share the torture....

OK...am I looking right at it and still don't see it? I see the ride starts in "beautiful town of Cashiers", but the A-type personality in me need to know WHERE is the start in Cashiers? I can't seem to find that on the website. ack!

{edit** just mapquested driving directions from Hick-town. looks like a 3-hour drive from here. may have to make a weekend of it, eh?

I believe that it starts at the "Village Green" (the routes say return to the "Village Green"). Either way right at the intersection of 64 and 107 near the Chamber of Commerce.

This soumds like a good ride. Climbs galore and great views. Wonder if the club would miss me on the Crowders Mountain Ride that day.

The ride starts right in the middle of Cashiers at the intersection of NC 107 and US 64. There is a park at that corner where the registration, food, parking etc. all happens. As for getting to Cashiers, there is no easy way up there from Charlotte. If you stay down in Sylva it is 45 minute drive to the ride in the morning. If you come up Sat early enough I could suggest some local rides.

Warrenl, yes there are some really good climbs, even on the 25 miler. The metric is tough with one climb at 8% ave for 4.4 miles. But as you say the scenery is great. These are my local roads and we are lucky to have such awesome riding.

I drove through the region about a month ago (107 from SC all the way to Hwy 74). First time through the area and was really impressed with Cashiers (lovely community). Probably a good thing that you can not get there from here without going somewhere else first. Might lose some of its charm.